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Leila Harris ’31 has been selected as a winner of the prestigious Nickelodeon Our World Award in collaboration with the Jefferson Awards, a program of Multiplying Good. This award recognizes young changemakers who are dedicated to making a positive impact in their communities and beyond.
In recognition of her incredible efforts, Leila is receiving a bronze Jefferson Award and will be featured on the 2024 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards on Saturday (July 13) at 8 p.m. EST. This national spotlight highlights her significant impact at such a young age, proving that kids have the power to change the world.
Leila’s journey began at a young age when, as a 1st grader, she asked her parents to give to those in need at Christmas instead of buying her gifts. This selfless act sparked the creation of Leila’s Promise, an organization she founded with her mother. Leila’s Promise empowers young people to be the change they wish to see in the world and act as advocates on issues that will shape their futures.
Its mission is rooted in the belief that kindness in action and service to others are essential for a brighter future for all.
Leila’s Promise has led several impactful initiatives, including but not limited to:
- Childhood hunger: Raising funds and volunteering with local organizations, making over 1,800 lunches, contributing over 11,538 weekend backpack snacks, donating 2,700 meals, and donating over 300 pounds of food to her Toledo community.
- Homelessness: Creating care packages and donating funds to local shelters.
- STEM education: Hosting and supporting STEM programs in Liberia, Rwanda, and Toledo, impacting more than 700 students. Her virtual programs, We Are STEM and Beauty is STEM Deep, reached over 2,000 viewers.
- Other initiatives: Raising money for Habitat for Humanity and volunteering to make playhouses and making cards for senior citizens and veterans.
Leila’s recent endeavors include volunteering with Food for Thought to make lunches for the homeless; hosting STEM workshops at the Boys & Girls Club of Toledo and in Harper, Liberia; and addressing period poverty in Liberia by providing sanitary products to girls in need.
Leila’s community partnerships with organizations such as The Toledo Chapter of Jack & Jill, Inc., and The Toledo (OH) Chapter of the Links, Inc., showcase her commitment to service and leadership.
As an active member of Jack and Jill of America Inc. (Toledo Chapter) and Jems2Jewels as well as a member of her community swim team and Maumee Valley’s basketball team, her dedication to service and leadership is evident in every aspect of her life.
Please tune in to hear the inspiring stories of Leila and other Jefferson Award winners, and support these incredible young change-makers.
About Leila’s Promise
Leila’s Promise is a local non-profit organization established to empower and encourage youth voices in service and bring people of all ages and backgrounds together in a service-learning environment. To learn more about Leila’s Promise, please visit https://leilaspromise.org/ or
https://facebook.com/leilaspromise/
